Networking with industry professionals is a key strategy for anyone looking to break into the consulting field. Building relationships with experienced consultants and other industry experts can help you gain valuable insights into the profession, learn about job opportunities, and gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
Here are 5 tips for networking effectively to break into consulting:
1. Set Clear Objectives
Before you start networking, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Having specific goals in mind will help you focus and make the most of your networking efforts. For instance, some possible goals might include:
- Building your skills: Networking can help you build the capabilities you need to succeed in consulting. You might want to connect with professionals who can provide mentorship or guidance in specific areas, or you might participate in job shadowing or internships to gain hands-on experience.
- Learning more about the industry: Networking can be a great way to learn more about the consulting industry, including what types of projects consultants work on, the skills and knowledge that are most valuable, and the day-to-day reality of working in consulting.
- Finding a specific job or internship in consulting: If you’re looking for a specific position in the consulting field, networking can help you learn about job openings and make connections with people who can help you get your foot in the door.
Having clear goals in mind will allow you to prioritize and make the most of your limited time and resources. This will help you make progress towards your goals and ultimately increase your chances of success in the consulting field.
2. Research Potential Contacts
Once you know what you’re looking for, start researching potential contacts in the consulting industry. Ideally, you want to look for people who work in areas that interest you or have experiences that aligns with your goals.
The primary source for this is consulting firms themselves. Most firms have websites that include information about their services, clients, and team members. You can use these sites to learn about the types of projects the firm works on and identify potential contacts who might be able to help you.
Another useful source is your alumni network. Most universities would have some alumni working in consulting, so you shouldn’t hesitate to tap on this resource! These connections can be especially valuable because you already have a shared connection and sense of solidarity through having gone to the same school.
3. Connect Online
One of the easiest ways to make initial contact with industry professionals is through online networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Look for people who work in consulting and send them a message introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the field. Be sure to tailor your message to each person, highlighting what you have in common and why you think they might be able to help you.
I’ve personally found this to be incredibly useful when I was seeking a consulting-related internship pre-university. Due to my unique circumstances (owing to Singapore’s 2 years of compulsory National Service that is typically served before enrolling in university), it was difficult to apply for internships directly using firms’ websites. My educational background would simply be screened out automatically. In contrast, proactive and bold networking gave me a shot for a recruiter to take notice of my CV. Finding my CV satisfactory, I was then passed onto the interview rounds where I could be fairly evaluated for my problem-solving skills.
4. Attend Industry Events
Industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and networking events, are great opportunities to meet and connect with professionals in the consulting field. These events often have speakers, panels, and other interactive sessions that can provide valuable insights and advice. Be prepared to introduce yourself and engage in meaningful conversations.
5. Keep in Touch!
Building relationships with industry professionals takes time and effort. Once you’ve connected with someone, be sure to follow up and stay in touch. This can include sending them updates on your progress, thanking them for their help, or simply staying connected on social media. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can continue to learn and grow in your career. This is probably the biggest mistake made by candidates — they talk to heaps of people but simply neglect to maintain that connection, thinking that a once-off coffee chat will be enough to do them some good. Spoiler alert: it won’t!
The bottom line
Networking with industry professionals is a crucial step in breaking into the consulting field. By building relationships with experienced consultants and other industry experts, you can gain valuable insights and advice, learn about job opportunities, and gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. With dedication and perseverance, you can use these strategies to take your first steps towards a rewarding career in consulting.
Lucas Foo is a Philosophy and Linguistics Undergraduate at the University of Oxford. He enjoys drawing insights from ambiguity to create real and positive impact.